a lone instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lone instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single occurrence or example of something, often highlighting its uniqueness or rarity. Example: "In the study, a lone instance of the phenomenon was observed, raising questions about its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This is not a lone instance but occurring in several areas," he says.

The Guardian

A lone instance of infidelity troubles the middle-aged protagonist in ways that illustrate the price of lust, and the eroding splendor of the Canadian wilderness reflects the greed of reckless developers.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

His is not a lone case.

The Guardian

Yet, white women did not appear in this show – except in the lone instance of the decapitated head of a white woman in Judith and Holofernes.

The Guardian

Credit Bill Zinsser '44, long before he became an Ivy League professor and best-selling author, with perhaps the lone instance of the word omphalos appearing in these pages.

Princeton University

Still, the government has asserted that Mr. Paciello was not simply "a lone player in instances of street thuggery" but was intricately tied to a "powerful organized crime syndicate".

The New York Times

For instance a lone chatter occasionally heard in isolation might produce a bell-like tone, accompanied by a crisp British-inflected voice speaking the recently typed text.

The New York Times - Arts

(His employees have internalized a kind of Morse code for deciphering his moods and intentions: "Hey hey" prefigures good news, for instance, whereas a lone "Hey" means business).

The New Yorker

One, for instance, involved a lone Israeli soldier at an observation post on a hill a few dozen yards over the nominal line, although the next day he was joined by two armored personnel carriers.

The New York Times

For instance, Bobbie, a lone parent with four children, had her tax credits stopped in May, leaving her to support her family for four months on £130 a week.

The Guardian

Using data provided by the FBI, a report by the Violence Policy Center, an organization that conducts research on American violence, analyzed every instance in which a lone man killed a woman in 2014.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a lone instance" to emphasize the rarity or uniqueness of something. For example, in scientific research, "a lone instance" of a particular phenomenon might warrant further investigation.

Common error

Avoid using "a lone instance" when describing common or frequent occurrences. It's best reserved for truly exceptional or isolated cases to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lone instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it denotes a single occurrence or example, emphasizing its uniqueness. It is used to single out an event or data point from a larger set.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lone instance" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the rarity or uniqueness of an event or occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for highlighting exceptions or singularities. While its frequency is rare, its usage spans across reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, mainly in news and academia. When using this phrase, make sure to emphasize its specific meaning, and to not overuse it in everyday situations. Consider using alternatives like "an isolated case" or "a singular occurrence" when appropriate to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated case

Emphasizes the separation and lack of connection to other similar occurrences.

an isolated incident

Similar to "an isolated case", but emphasizes the event-like nature.

a singular occurrence

Highlights the uniqueness and distinct nature of the event.

an exceptional example

Focuses on the rarity and deviation from the norm.

a solitary occasion

Highlights the infrequency and separateness of the event.

a unique situation

Draws attention to the specific circumstances that make it different.

an uncommon event

Stresses the infrequency and unusual character of the happening.

a rare manifestation

Highlights the infrequent appearance or display of something.

a one-off situation

Highlights the fact that this is a single occurrence that will not be repeated.

an unprecedented event

Emphasizes that there has been no prior occurrence or parallel.

FAQs

How can I use "a lone instance" in a sentence?

You can use "a lone instance" to highlight the uniqueness or rarity of an event or situation. For example: "The study identified "a lone instance" of data corruption, suggesting the system is generally stable."

What can I say instead of "a lone instance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an isolated case", "a singular occurrence", or "an uncommon event", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a lone instance"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something happened only once or is very rare, setting it apart from typical or repeated events.

Is there a difference between "a lone instance" and "a single instance"?

While both refer to one occurrence, "a lone instance" often implies more isolation or exceptionality compared to the more neutral "a single instance".